Stephen E. Ambrose was an American historian and author, best known for his works on World War II and American history. Born on January 10, 1936, he wrote numerous books, including the acclaimed Band of Brothers, which chronicles the experiences of a company of paratroopers during the war. Ambrose earned a Ph.D. in history and taught at several universities, including the University of New Orleans. His engaging writing style and thorough research made history accessible to a broad audience, and he played a significant role in popularizing historical narratives through his documentaries and public speaking.